Denosumab is also used to treat bone loss in women who are at high risk for bone fracture while receiving certain treatments for breast cancer.

Denosumab is also used to treat bone loss in men who are at high risk of bone fracture while receiving certain treatments for prostate cancer that has not spread to other parts of the body.

This medication works by slowing bone loss to help maintain strong bones and reduce the risk of broken bones (fractures). Denosumab belongs to a class of drugs called monoclonal antibodies. It prevents certain cells in the body (osteoclasts) from breaking down bone.

How to use denosumab subcutaneous

Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start using denosumab and before each injection. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Your healthcare provider will inject this medication under your skin in the upper arm, upper thigh, or abdomen as directed by your doctor, usually every 6 months.

Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. It is important to keep receiving this medication even if you feel well. Most people with osteoporosis do not have symptoms. Remember to receive it every 6 months. It may help to mark your calendar with a reminder.

Continue to take other medications for your condition as directed by your doctor.

Side Effects

See also Precautions section.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Denosumab may cause low calcium levels, especially if you have kidney problems. Take calcium and vitamin D as directed by your doctor. (See also How to Use section.) Your doctor will order calcium blood tests before your first injection and during treatment. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any symptoms of low calcium such as: muscle spasms/cramps, mental/mood changes (such as irritability or confusion), numbness/tingling (especially around lips/mouth or in fingers/toes), seizures.

Denosumab can affect your immune system. You may be more likely to get a serious infection, such as a skin, ear, stomach/gut, or bladder infection. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop any signs of infection, such as: fever/chills, red/swollen/tender/warm skin (with or without pus), severe abdominal pain, ear pain, frequent/painful/burning urination, pink/bloody urine.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: jaw pain, new or unusual thigh/hip/groin pain, bone/joint/muscle pain.

Denosumab can cause skin problems such as dryness, peeling, redness, itching, small bumps/patches, or blisters. However, you may not be able to tell it apart from a rare rash that could be a sign of a severe allergic reaction. Therefore, get medical help right away if you develop any rash or if any of these symptoms persist or worsen.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

Before using denosumab, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as latex), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before having any surgery (especially dental procedures), tell your doctor and dentist about this medication and all other products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Denosumab is not recommended for use in children. It may slow down a child's growth and affect tooth development.

This medication must not be used during pregnancy. It may harm an unborn baby. Discuss the use of reliable forms of birth control with your doctor. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor immediately.

It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this medication is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others.

Lifestyle changes that help promote healthy bones include increasing weight-bearing exercise, stopping smoking, limiting alcohol, and eating well-balanced meals that contain adequate calcium and vitamin D. Since you may also need to take calcium and vitamin D supplements and make other lifestyle changes, consult your doctor for specific advice.

Laboratory and/or medical tests (such as bone density tests, calcium/phosphorus/magnesium levels, kidney function) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

Do not take this medication with any other product that contains denosumab.

Missed Dose

For the best possible benefit, it is important to receive each dose of this medication as directed. If you miss a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately to establish a new dosing schedule.

Storage

This medication is given in a hospital or clinic or doctor's office and usually will not be stored at home.

If you are picking up this medication at the pharmacy to bring to your medical appointment, store in the refrigerator between 36-46 degrees F (2-8 degrees C) until the day of your appointment. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

If you have any questions about storage, ask your pharmacist.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your medication.

Information last revised August 2014. Copyright(c) 2014 First Databank, Inc.

Selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, expect as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.

CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.

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